50 security personnel killed, 10 arrested in Farah clashes

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): At least 50 security personnel have been killed and 10 others arrested during the Taliban attacks on Farah City, the capital of western Farah province, and two districts, a reliable source said on Monday.

Haji Khair Mohammad Noorzai, the Provincial Council member, told Pajhwok Afghan News 40 security personnel, including policemen, Afghan Local Police (ALP) and army soldiers were killed and 10 held arrested during the Taliban overnight attacks in the Khost locality of Khak-i-Safaid district.

Noorzai said the Taliban have arrested some ALP personnel as well but was unaware of the exact number of arrested personnel.

Governor Spokesman Nasir Mehri confirmed the clash in the Khost area of Khak-i-Safid district but was unaware of the casualties.

According to Noorzai, the Taliban attacked the Bagh Pul, Sangi Zor, Barankot and Haidar Qela areas of Farah City, the provincial capital, on Sunday night but was unaware of the casualties.

The resident of Bagh Pul area who wished to go unnamed said the Taliban attacked police check-posts and captured eight policemen on Sunday night.

He said two policemen were killed in Barankot area and three arrested by the Taliban.

Mehri, however, acknowledged the killing of four policemen in Barankot and Bagh Pul areas.

Another source on the condition of anonymity said the Taliban killed six ALP officials during attack on their check-post in Gulistan district.

Mehri was unaware of the attack in Gulistan but claimed the Taliban suffered casualties in last night clashes.